LHS students fundraising project to support local animal rescue

LOGAN, W.Va. — Some Logan High School sophomores are currently engaged in fundraising efforts designed to support local animal rescue. As a way to engage in community service and learn leadership skills, students in Mrs. L.T. Baisden’s homeroom are partnering with Amanda Whitman, president of Grand Cat Central, a local animal rescue specializing in rescuing the homeless cats of Logan County. Students are learning just how challenging the world of animal rescue can be.

Students selected the animal rescue organization as their community service project because they have a strong love for animals. According to homeroom member Cydney Collins, “I want to help with this project because cats are innocent. They need us to help them, and I don’t want any of them to die at the shelter.”

Student Clifford Cull says, “I liked the idea of helping animals too, and I’m also really glad that we are going to work with a local organization for our community service project. “

Whitman visited Mrs. Baisden’s homeroom class on September 22, and shared her story of becoming an animal rescue activist. Whitman also shared with students some of the thinking that has to accompany cat rescue efforts.

“It takes $118 dollars to fully vet a cat for rescue,” Whitman said. “That includes spay /neuter, vaccines, flea treatments, and worming.” Students also learned that there are additional, hidden expenses that they hadn’t considered. “We use about 100 pounds of litter each week, and we have food expenses. We use bleach every day to make sure we don’t have any spread of diseases. We use trash bags, paper towels, and towels daily. All those add up each week and month.”

Students were surprised to learn that Whitman has rescued more than 700 cats since she began working with animal rescue a little more than a year ago, running the rescue center out of the basement of her house. At this point Grand Cat Central has grown into an IRS recognized charitable organization, with a building located on Stratton Street in Logan.

In an effort to help fund the expenses of Grand Cat Central, LHS students will be selling paw print wrist bands and stickers during the week of October 17-21. Friday, October 21 will be a hat day at school. For a $1 donation students will be allowed to wear a hat all day. Additionally, the homeroom will have a table set up at the Logan versus Sissonville game that evening and will be accepting monetary donations along with supplies such as cat food, litter, towels, bleach, toys, and collars.

All proceeds will go to Grand Cat Central, which is a 501(c ) 3 organization. Donations are tax deductible.